Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 17Throwing Out a Monastic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nikkaḍḍhana
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The Nikkaḍḍhana Sutta: The Vinaya Rule on the Expulsion of Monastics
Background
The Nikkaḍḍhana (Pāli: Nikkaḍḍhana, Nikkhādana) is found within the Vinaya of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the section pertaining to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha or to lay Buddhist practitioners. This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka — the collection of rules governing the community of monks and nuns. The context from which it arises is one in which the disciples of the Buddha encountered complex situations in the administration of the monastic community, particularly cases involving members who did not abide by the rules or who committed serious transgressions.
Nikkaḍḍhana refers to a legal procedure within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, concerning the expulsion of a member from the monastic community. This is not an unconditional punishment, but rather a last resort aimed at protecting the purity of the Sangha and encouraging the reformation of the individual.
Principal Content
The Nikkaḍḍhana procedure was established in the context of a monk or bhikkhunī (nun) violating rules in ways that constitute a danger or cause division within the community. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, before proceeding with expulsion, the community must carry out a number of steps involving admonition and correction.
The procedure consists of the following: first, the discovery of the transgression and an attempt at direct counsel. Second, if the individual refuses to reform, the community may carry out an "Admonition" (Pāli: ānāpatti) — a form of formal reprimand. Third, if the transgression continues or if the misconduct is of a serious nature — such as teaching false doctrine or violating the Pārājika rules, the major offenses — the community may resolve upon nikkaḍḍhana, that is, formal expulsion.
This expulsion does not mean that the person cannot return should they reform. It is a means by which the community protects itself from negative influences, while at the same time creating an opportunity for the individual to clearly recognize the consequences of their actions. These procedures are recorded in detail so as to ensure fairness and authenticity.
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